Some people call the wild onion as field garlic or wild garlic. The scientific name of this onion is Allium vineale. It is a strong and flavorful vegetable. The appearance and flavor actually resemble to those of onion more than garlic. The this onion is a perennial and bulb forming species in the Liliaceae family. It is native to North – Western Africa, the Canary Islands, Europe and Western Asia.
Nowadays, the wild onion is introduced in Australia and North America where it has become a harmful weed. All parts of this onion have a strong garlic odor. The leaves of this onion in raw or cooked form are used as garlic. The bulb of this onion is used as a flavoring agent. The leaves of wild garlic are foraged to make soups, sauces, as well as cheeses. You can eat the leaves of this onion in raw form like green salad. There are some cases of poisoning which are caused by the consumption in large quantities and by some mammals, of this species.
It seems that dogs are particularly susceptible to wild onion. You should clean the wild onion in cool water and wash any surface from dirt or mud. You should wrap the bulbs and exposed roots in a wet paper towel or rag and store in the refrigerator up to ten days and keep the paper towel moist. This plant reminds to grass so you should be sure that you are taking this onion. The flowers of this onion are edible and they can be used to garnish salads. The young fruits of this onion make a spicy condiment. During the 19th century, the wild garlic was used to flavor butter instead of salt.
Health benefits of wild onion
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Problems with gut health
This onion can be used as a home remedy for problems which are related to the gut flora. The gut flora has an impact on multiple aspects of your physical and mental health.
Cancer
The extracts of this onion leaves can help to prevent the growth of many different types of cancers, such as colon, lung and breast cancer. In this regard, the wild onion is more beneficial than the regular garlic.
Protects your brain and heart
The wild onion can decrease the blood vessel stiffness by release of nitric oxide and it brings a reduction in the total blood pressure. The wild onion can prevent the clot formation and it has a fibrinolytic action in the blood vessels which can help to decrease the overall risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular diseases. It can decrease the production of bad cholesterol and it will make your liver happy. Also, it is found that the wild onion has antibacterial, anti – fungal and antiviral properties.
Repel insects
The wild onion can be used as insect and mole repellent. Also, the juice of the wild onion is used as a moth repellent. You can rub the juice of this plant on exposed parts of the body to repel biting insects, scorpions, etc.
Lowers the risk of heart disease
There are some studies in which are said that the wild onion can help you to lower the risk of heart diseases. They include coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high or low blood pressure.
Vitamin C
The wild onion is rich in Vitamin C which is known for its health benefits of the body. It can help to increase the strength of your immune system so this is one more reason why you should add wild onion in your diet.
Antibiotic properties
It is known fact that the wild onion has antibiotic properties which means that it can kill bacteria, fungi and other microbes. You can use it as a home remedy for bacteria diseases. Also, you can use it as a preventative method when you feel that a cold is coming on.
Bone health
It is known that the daily recommended intake of Vitamin K can be taken from 70 grams of wild onion. This vitamin has a potential role in the bone health by promoting the bone formation and strengthening activity. The sufficient intake of Vitamin K in the diet can help to limit the neuronal damage in the brain which is displaying an established role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
